Israel
Mahmoud Abbas calls Hamas ‘sons of dogs’ and demands hostage release
The Palestinian Authority leader called on the terror group to lay down its arms for first time since start of war in Gaza
April 23, 2025 14:26
The Palestinian Authority leader called on the terror group to lay down its arms for first time since start of war in Gaza
April 23, 2025 14:26Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas has launched a scathing attack on Hamas, calling on the terror group to end the war in Gaza, lay down its arms and release the hostages, claiming their captivity provided Israel with "excuses" to continue the fighting.
In his first outward criticism of the group since the most recent round of conflict began, Abbas branded Hamas “sons of dogs,” and demanded: “Release those you’re holding and put an end to this story. Shut down their [Israel’s] excuses. End it.”
The speech appeared to be an attempt to undercut Israel’s justification for military operations in Gaza after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
“The war must end,” Abbas declared, adding: “[Hamas] doesn't want to hand over the American hostages. Sons of dogs – hand over the hostages and end the matter."
It was unclear whether Abbas was referring to the release of all 59 remaining hostages, of whom 24 are believed to be alive, or only those with US citizenship.
There is one US citizen believed to remain alive in captivity – Edan Alexander. Hamas is also holding the bodies of four other US nationals.
Outlining his goals for the end of the war, the PA leader called for the “returning of the hostages; lifting the Israeli blockade of Gaza; stopping the displacement of our people in coordination with Arab countries; defending the 'Palestinian cause.”
His address took place during a meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organisation’s (PLO) Central Council in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Abbas, 89, is expected to name his successor at the gathering, amid mounting questions over the group's future role in peace efforts in Gaza.
Abbas took over the Palestinian leadership after the death of PLO leader Yasser Arafat in 2004 but has thus far resisted naming a deputy.
In an appeal to Hamas, Abbas urged the group to relinquish control of Gaza and reconstitute itself as a political party without a military wing.
“Hamas must hand over (its) Gaza responsibilities and hand over its arms to the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority and transform into a political party,” he said. “Talk to us instead of the Americans.”
It marks the first time since the war began that Abbas has openly called for Hamas to disarm. The group ousted the PA from Gaza in a brief civil war in 2007.
However, while condemning Hamas, Abbas also sharply criticised Israel. “The coup carried out by Hamas in 2007 gave Israel a pretext to destroy the Gaza Strip,” he said. “2,165 families were completely wiped out, and 6,664 were partially wiped out. More than two-thirds of the homes were destroyed in the war.”
He added: “We are facing serious dangers that could lead to a 'new Nakba.'”
Abbas also told the PLO crowd that the PA’s goal was to “end the Israeli occupation”.
“Our vision for achieving peace in the Middle East is based on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing a state,” he concluded.